Heidi Markow, an Easton-area advocate for the victims of domestic violence, is in the running to be part of the 2012 Local Lady GODIVA Program.

Markow is the founder of the Beginning Over Foundation, which aims to protect families in crisis, and to help domestic violence victims. She is one of nine local women competing for the program.

Run by the Godiva chocolate company, the program is a philanthropic venture "which celebrates inspirational women around the world who embody the attributes of Lady Godiva through selflessness, generosity, leadership and the spirit of giving-back to the community," the Beginning Over Foundation said in a news release.

Markow has done that in numerous ways, the foundation argues, most recently by raising more than $10,000 for the family of Williams Township homicide victim Mark Werkheiser.

The program chooses three regional finalists each season and awards them $1,000 to help their causes. At the end of the year, one of the finalists is eligible for a $10,000 grant.